September 2012

Tulips, a favorite in the garden, are known as harbingers of spring. Their beautiful flowers and vibrant colors are a refreshing change after a cold and dreary winter – but they also can be forced to bloom indoors for pre-spring enjoyment.

Iowa Learning Farms, along with Women, Food and Agriculture Network, will host a field day at Chris Henning’s farm near Jefferson, Iowa, on Monday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the event includes a complimentary lunch. The field day will focus on Henning’s farm improvements, including cover crops and wetlands.

Gov. Branstad’s new initiative, Volunteer Iowa: A Call to Service, asks Iowans to volunteer at least 50 hours each year. One way Iowa volunteers can increase their community service, while adding service-learning to their efforts, is by partnering with 4-H Service-Learning from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Two cross country races and a fun run/walk will provide family-friendly competition in a scenic location, with unique distance options and vertical challenges. The events are part of the first Get Vertical 4-H Adventure Race on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Iowa 4-H Camping Center near Madrid, Iowa.

Most workers look forward to retiring, and ideally get to choose when to retire. Sometimes an employer will suggest early retirement. An Iowa State University Extension and Outreach publication helps employees with early retirement decisions.

Women involved in farm operations can learn more about risk management on the farm and value-added agriculture opportunities at one of two upcoming workshops in Boone and Fairfield sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

High tunnel production of fruits and vegetables is the topic of upcoming workshops sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The workshop will be held at the ISU Extension – Hardin County office in Iowa Falls on Nov. 17, and the ISU Extension – Linn County office in Marion on Nov. 19.

Impatiens, the top-selling bedding plants in the U.S., have had few insect and disease problems. Unfortunately, the disease situation appears to be about to change as impatiens downy mildew has appeared in much of the eastern U.S. in the last two years. This destructive disease may impact many home gardeners over the next few years.

The Twelfth Annual Iowa Organic Conference will be held on the University of Iowa campus on Nov. 18 and 19. Farmers, extension staff, industry representatives and students are invited to learn about science-based research in organic agriculture and practical applications for Iowa farms.